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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Worried About Previous Endoscopy
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Worried About Previous Endoscopy
by pugyrob, Sep 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, i had ulce rlike symptoms and food sticking, small toruble swallowing, chest pain etc so i went and got referred for gastroscopy. I am a thirty year old male with an on off long term history of acid in my throat but not all the time by any means.
After the gastroscopy the doctor said there was nothing to worry about and i had inflammation that was all.
When i met him a few days later he showed me a protruding mass in my esophagus which shouldnt be there which was the inflammation he talked about before. He also said they had discovered an ulcer underneeath it. He didnt mention the ulcer until this day. He didnt say where he biopsied but my biopsies were normal as was a test for crp?
He said the lump was purely benign inflammation and nothing serious, he gave me a photo of it.
My concern is that my idea of inflammation is redness, swelling, this is a circular lump/mass. How is he sure this si not cancer?? It certainly looked worrying. I also read that nearly all masses/tumours in the esophagus were cancer so why was he not concerned a tany point.
I need some reassurance please, i understand you cant see the mass but it wa swhat has caused me moderate swallowing difficulties.
Please help.
Thanks
After the gastroscopy the doctor said there was nothing to worry about and i had inflammation that was all.
When i met him a few days later he showed me a protruding mass in my esophagus which shouldnt be there which was the inflammation he talked about before. He also said they had discovered an ulcer underneeath it. He didnt mention the ulcer until this day. He didnt say where he biopsied but my biopsies were normal as was a test for crp?
He said the lump was purely benign inflammation and nothing serious, he gave me a photo of it.
My concern is that my idea of inflammation is redness, swelling, this is a circular lump/mass. How is he sure this si not cancer?? It certainly looked worrying. I also read that nearly all masses/tumours in the esophagus were cancer so why was he not concerned a tany point.
I need some reassurance please, i understand you cant see the mass but it wa swhat has caused me moderate swallowing difficulties.
Please help.
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 19, 2006 12:00AM
The biopsy is the most definitive test for the mass. If the results are inconclusive, repeating the upper endoscopy and biopsy can be considered.
If inflammation is present, treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor can be considered, as well as testing for H Pylori (a bacteria associated with inflammation).
If there continues be difficulty swallowing, a barium swallowing study or an esophageal motility study can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
If inflammation is present, treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor can be considered, as well as testing for H Pylori (a bacteria associated with inflammation).
If there continues be difficulty swallowing, a barium swallowing study or an esophageal motility study can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
